Do Actors Need A Website?

April 1, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Tony Nation

Let me start by asking you this:

When you are writing up an email to a potential talent Agent, Manger or Casting Director that you recently connected with, do you feel like you are over-explaining yourself in your email pitch?

Do you struggle making it sound impressive without sounding “braggy”?

Does it feel like you are pushing your personality to shine through while still keeping it brief and professional?

If you answered “YES” to any of this (or cringed while reading those questions… or had slight heart palpitations because writing a good cover letter is STRESSFUL) then Dear Actor, YES you need a website!

Do you need any ole website? NO!

DO NOT waste your money on a website if you are just going to basically make it like an Actors Access profile and have everything slapped up there boringly…

DO INVEST your money in designing a website if you are going to do it right. Take time to develop a brand based on research (or hire someone who can help you develop your brand) and optimize your website to function as a PREMIUM PITCH PACKAGE. Because at the end of the day, that’s what a GOOD Actor Website will do for you: It will function as your 3 Dimensional Cover Letter and do “The Humble Brag” for you so you don’t have to in your email pitches.

Think about when you look at a show poster, let’s say Stranger Things for example, what does that poster tell you about the world? About the tone of the show? About the premise?

Well, your actor website is basically the show poster to who you are as an actor/human! A good website allows you to show more and say less, because your website does all the talking so you don’t have to when you pitch yourself!

So my advice to you when it comes to beginning your actor website journey is this:

Take the time to develop your brand first because good branding is what differentiates your website from functioning as a portfolio site (like Actors Access) to serving you as a Premium Pitch Package.

In short, my definition of Branding is how to marry your essence with the industry. Branding IS NOT Typecasting OR putting you in a box to paint a 1 Dimensional picture of what “Archetype you play.” It is much more intricate and deeper than that. – – – I will write another blog about my definition of an Actor Brand because there are so many controversial opinions about this and I PROMISE you my version of branding is MUCH different from what you’ve heard.

If you’re struggling with how to begin this Actor Website + Branding Development journey and are ready to take the leap and hire a professional, let’s connect! I help actors every day level up their actor websites to function as a Premium Pitch Package, and I can help you too. Schedule your Free 20 Minute Consultation to get started.

-Kristina Horan, Head Website Designer + Brand Developer at Kristina Horan Website Designs.

Speak L.A. Podcast! Voice Over Actress Sabra May

March 4, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Tony Nation

Hi Actors!

In our collaboration with Speak L.A. the podcast, we bring you a V.O. actress who has recorded over 1000 commercials and shares the tricks of the trade with us in this 30 minute V.O. Master Class!

Hear answers to…

– How can you get started in the voiceover world?

– What does it mean to enter the V.O. world “sideways?”

– Can you have more than one agent for V.O. work?

– How can you create your own V.O studio at home?

– What are V.O agents looking for in a new client?

– Should you start by making an expensive demo? (Spoiler alert – NO!).

We’re excited to share this with you!

Actors Connection

Are You Ready to Take Online Classes with Casting Directors?

February 4, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Colleen Finnegan Kahl

Learning from people working in the business right now is a VERY POWERFUL way to get a leg up in this industry– but you NEED to be somewhat ready before you enter a class like that.

I am a big believer that educational opportunities should be readily available. If there are too many barriers to important knowledge, we can’t expect to have the diverse workforce we NEED to tell stories in the most impactful and authentic ways.

You’ll see in my checklist below– the things you ABSOLUTELY need to take a class taught by a casting director at Actors Connection are really very simple- but important if you would like to take one of our online acting classes right now.

A Headshot. If you are BRAND new, a good picture just of your face will work as a placeholder for classroom purposes. If you are serious about being an actor, you do NEED to invest in a great headshot. The picture should look like YOU on a good day. No glamour shots or artsy pics. Just your fabulous face. In classes where you are being assigned material, this is EXTREMELY important.
A Device with a Good Camera/Mic. For most people, this is their iPhone. Sometimes your laptop will suffice. Either way, you need to be seen and heard clearly. As you grow, you may want to invest in other equipment, but this is what you need to get started. If you are using your iPhone, you will need a stand to hold your device still while you participate in class.
High Speed Internet. We are all on zoom right and you NEED to be sure you won’t be freezing in the middle of your big moment within your scene. Zoom with a friend before class to ensure that there are no glitches.
A Quiet Place to Learn. It’s hard to do a powerful scene with lots of background noise and distractions. Make sure you can take class somewhere quiet with no interruptions.
A basic understanding of the craft of acting. If you have never taken an acting class before in your life, do yourself a favor and try 101 or introductory level classes before considering a class with a casting director. After all, you only make 1 first impression and you want to be sure you know the basics. I suggest taking a class with Lorrie Odom if you are new or if you want to brush up your skills before taking class with CDs.

As you continue your training and professional development, you will want to be sure to level up and add to this list. You will want a professional backdrop, a ring light, a good microphone and many other things— but you don’t need to have absolutely everything ready and figured out to start learning!

Everyone starts somewhere and you will always be improving in your career. Don’t let perfectionism keep you from getting moving!

A great resource for new actors is our FREE New Client Orientation program! Join us to learn more about how our programs work and word out on the street– just by attending you could save money on your first Actors Connection Purchase!

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert in online casting, and helping actors in New York (NYC) and around the world refine their craft, and expand their art.

Speak L.A. Podcast! Literary Agent Katy McCaffery

February 3, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Tony Nation

Hi Actors!

In our latest collaboration with Speak L.A. the podcast, we bring you a unique opportunity… Learn straight from a head agent at The Gersh Agency as she addresses questions like:

What temp job gives you the best view of the entertainment industry?
What qualities do literary agencies look for in young writers?
Why is your personal backstory just as important (if not more so) as your art?
How can you differentiate yourself from other writers/actors?
Why should you pour yourself into everything you write?

This is 30 minutes packed full of the information you need to know,

Enjoy!

How to Choose Your Showcase Piece

January 20, 2022/2 Comments/in News /by Colleen Finnegan Kahl

When preparing to showcase to agents, selecting material can be stressful! Should you use something from a role you’ve played? Should you sing the song you love to sing in the shower? Which piece do you pick? What do you stay away from?

Use the tips below to help you determine the best Showcase Pieces for YOU!

Find something that showcases your natural essence. This is their first experience of you! Let your personality out. Embrace who YOU are in this piece so they can see an authentic performance AND get a glimpse of who YOU really are.
Pick material that allows you to have fun making specific choices. Specificity is KEY! You should enjoy playing with your choices and getting them more and more specific. You should be able to identify who you are talking to and what you want. The more clarity the better.
Make sure the character/role is something you can play RIGHT NOW. Showcasing material that you can’t actually be cast in right now is a waste of time. Agents want to know how you can start working right now and what roles they can book you in TOMORROW– not 5 or 10 years from now. Think of the popular movie line– “Show me the money!”– show them the money! The money they can be making right now with YOU on their roster! In order to effectively do this– you need to make sure you are well aware of the types of roles that are out there for you.
Avoid anything very overdone or currently super popular. Something popular or overdone comes with lots of preferences or could cause you to be unfairly compared to another performer. It is always better to do something that will feel refreshing to your agent panel.
Use material that allows you to show range in both voice and emotion. Your piece should have a journey. Make sure it has levels. Showing one emotion gives off one trick pony vibes. Show emotional depth and creativity. When singing, make sure the piece shows good range– but be careful not to select a piece that has a note that you can’t always reach. You need to be confident that you can always hit the top or bottom notes.
Remember that the piece will never show EVERYTHING you can do. And that is ok. No one expects it to. You couldn’t ever possibly show everything in your tool kit in a single showcase piece and ALL INDUSTRY KNOW THAT. You are leading with your wheelhouse and with what you are best at.
If doing two pieces– make sure they really CONTRAST. They should show two very different styles, emotions, characters or vibes.
It should leave the audience wanting more of you. It never has to be long. It just needs to be good!

Hope these tips help you pick the piece that is best for you and that you enter your showcase with confidence!

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors prepare for auditions and tryouts with Casting Directors and Talent Agents. Contact Colleen for more information. Photo provided by @jcruzweb.

10 Adjustments We Have Heard CDs Give Actors

December 15, 2021/0 Comments/in News /by Colleen Finnegan Kahl

There are some common notes and adjustments that we hear time and again in classes. Set yourself up for success by prepping your material with these notes in mind.

Know who you are talking to. Have a strong understanding of who your character is talking to in the scene and what your relationship is with them. You should be able to firmly visualize them.
Raise the stakes. Make this feel even more important to the character. Understand WHY it is important.
Find different levels in the material. Play different intentions throughout the piece so we see and feel the different levels.
Make strong choices. Playing safe isn’t memorable. Make a smart choice.
Be mindful of your focus/eyeline. Where is your scene partner? Stay focused on them.
Be as specific as possible. Generalizations don’t tell a good story.
Know what your character wants in the scene. If the scene ended the way your character wants it to– what would happen? How do they try to get to that goal in different ways?
Know what happens in the moment before. Embrace that moment before you begin the performance. Understand the background leading to this scene.
Stay honest and authentic. Don’t push.
Keep training! A good actor works out that muscle like you would work in the gym.

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors with online casting, New York casting, and how to meet casting directors.

Stop Judging Yourself for Where You are in Your Acting Career

November 18, 2021/0 Comments/in News /by Colleen Finnegan Kahl

I was going to write a different blog today– but recently I have seen a huge increase in the need to say this.

ACTORS: YOU NEED TO STOP JUDGING YOURSELF

Wish you felt like you were further along in your acting career? Miss a job booking goal deadline you gave yourself? Think you are behind your peers in credits? Concerned that you had a life detour and are just beginning your dreams now? Thought that because other people have succeeded by now that you can’t? Just plain ole expected everything to move faster than it has?

I OFFICIALLY GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO STOP APOLOGIZING FOR IT AND JUDGING YOURSELF FOR IT.

This is a weird industry. One success formula just doesn’t work universally. One road to success will work for one person but not for the next. You need to bob and weave time and time again to find out what works for you.

Now I need to warn you…

There is ONE thing that WILL hurt your progress, your mindset and your heart every single time— and that is all that gross self judgment brew-ha-ha you have kicking around in that head of yours.

Those thoughts of self doubt, bogus comparisons and lack of time is funneling your brilliance & your energy BACKWARDS.

Your circumstances have artfully crafted a fabulous human. A human with intellectual and emotional depth. A human with heart. With insight. With originality.

You can not expect to succeed until you acknowledge the evolving perfection that is YOU.

You’ve heard it before—-This business needs your uniqueness…not your sameness. Your auditions crave your radical creativity, not hum drum predictability.

Your life has carved and crafted an expert at being YOU. Thank yourself for the incredible training that only YOU received to be this current and growing version of yourself and start bringing that in the room. Bring that into your emails. Bring that into your work.

Your future needs you to stop yelling at your past— stand on it’s shoulders and climb to the next rung of the ladder already!

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors find their path through acting classes, workshops, and seminars.

How to Create Your Film/TV Demo Reel: An Actor’s Guide by Tony Nation

November 1, 2021/0 Comments/in News /by Tony Nation

If you’re a film/TV actor, your demo reel is one of the most powerful tools that you have besides your headshots and resume to market yourself to agents and casting directors. By choosing the right scenes for your demo reel and ordering them correctly, they can help you to find representation, auditions and even bookings.

What is a Demo Reel?

An actor demo reel or sizzle reel is a 1-3 minute edited video collection of your best performances. Talent agents, managers, casting directors and producers, view demo reels when searching for new acting talent for representation or their projects.

Once you’ve landed representation, your talent agent and/or manager will submit your demo reel to casting when submitting via Breakdown Services, Casting Networks or when pitching a casting director.

Casting directors will view demo reels to get a sense of an actor’s range and abilities and if they are right for the projects they are casting. Your demo can help or hurt you based on how you’ve created it.

Creating your Demo Reel

When you start compiling your demo reel, there are some things you want to think about.

First, it’s a compilation of your best on-screen work. This is your time to be selfish and your demo needs to showcase your acting abilities, not other actors.

You will start with your graphic title card with your name and headshot. (5 seconds)

Then your BEST SCENE FIRST. It might be all that is watched so make sure we get 5 seconds of your graphic title card and then right into you speaking/acting.

No montages, no MOS (motion omitting sound), no video of you dancing, no soundtracks unless it was edited in with the piece you were doing and lends itself to the credibility of your scene.

All notable work should be titled as we go into each scene.

From there, your scenes should show acting range. If you are repeating the same type of character in the same situations, stick with one scene.

Your demo should be no longer than 3 minutes and preferably around 2 minutes. It can even be as short as 1 minute with just two scenes.

End your demo with your Graphic Title card with your name, headshot and contact/agent info etc.

In creating your demo, I’d recommend that you hire a demo reel editor to help you look your very best. If you are technically skilled, iMovie is one of the simplest editing programs to work in.

If you’re missing certain types of roles, you can always create a short film and then edit out the best part for your demo.

Don’t use scenes from classes, taped monologues or auditions that you’ve self-taped.
No outdated or low quality footage. If the sound quality is an issue in a scene, don’t use it.
Also, don’t use any stage work in your film/TV demo. Create that as a separate demo or as a clip.

Speaking of clips, you should also have all scenes from your demo clipped out and titled i.e.

Lead in Indie Rom Com
Villain in Horror feature
Lawyer in Indie Drama etc.

Sometimes you will find that you or your representation will only want to submit a specific scene/clip for a project. When casting directors don’t have a lot of time, it helps to narrow what they want to watch from what you are offering online via Actors Access, Casting Networks, your website etc.

All clips should be 1 minute or less.

As you build your credits and role work over time, you’ll want to keep improving and updating your demo reel so that it currently represents you.

Don’t forget that your demo reel is one of the most powerful tools you and your representation have to get you in the door. Make sure that it’s your best!

Here are some good examples of quality demo reels:

James L. Ward | Lori Hammel | Roger Hervas | Regina Schneider

This article was written by Tony Nation, a partner at the Actors Connection. Tony is a professional Actor, Acting Coach, expert in Demo Reels, and helping aspiring actors succeed at their craft.

8 Promises Actors Need to Make Themselves This Fall

September 23, 2021/0 Comments/in News /by Colleen Finnegan Kahl

Recommitting yourself to your dream career this Fall? I suggest making these 8 promises to yourself as you embark on the road to your goals.

I will NOT work in places I feel unsafe.

Be it Covid protocols or just individuals who give you the heebie jeebies. No need to take any job that could jeopardize your health–mental or physical.

I will remember to celebrate all victories– ESPECIALLY the little ones.

So often, I find that actors aren’t celebrating the little things. Relish in the positive remark on your audition. Love on the great response to your work in acting class. Celebrate “booking the room,” cherish signs of interest from industry, and treat every invitation to audition for something like a fantastic gift to share a piece of you.I will create some of my OWN opportunities to utilize my craft.

Waiting for other people to show up with ways for you to be creative isn’t a very active way to participate in your career. Think about a story YOU NEED TO TELL! Create a character and build your own mini-project. Don’t wait for someone else’s permission to showcase your abilities.

I will be mindful in my scheduling so I always have time for my basic needs.

SOOO many actors are guilty of squeezing in too much into their week. Survival jobs, classes, auditions, family, friends– everything takes an important resource– TIME. Take time to schedule your weeks so you can feel your best as you move through life. Don’t wait until a later date to create work/life balance. Embrace it NOW. It’ll help you stay healthy and creative. Taking time for yourself is not selfish– it is NECESSARY for well-rounded success.

I will start a meditation practice.

I sincerely think it is the MOST important thing for actors. Your brain is your money maker as an actor! The more centered you are, the more you can bring to your work. The more in touch with your emotions, the more you can understand how to apply them to your characters. Quiet your brain and explore the eurekas that can provoke action steps, decisions and inspirations that will lead you down the right paths.

I will set “office hours” so I am regularly researching opportunities.

Take some time on a regular basis to research what projects are out there that may need your HELP as a storyteller. Somewhere out there, there is a project that needs YOU and it is your job as an actor to find them and help them solve that need!

I will stop speaking negatively about my career.

STOP IT! Right this instance. People don’t want to work with others who don’t believe in themselves. It’s hard to trust the creativity and contributions of those who can’t even trust their own. You are unique and can add so much value to a project.

I will remember to stay connected with my JOY

This industry can feel tumultuous. My favorite key to success in this business is to stay connected to your JOY. Once the joy is gone– take a break and explore what is really happening for you. JOY tells you that you are on the right soul path in your life. Lean into it. Grow it. Celebrate it. Make it an important part of your day EVERY DAY.

Video: Big Face – This week President of Actors Connection – Colleen Kahl joins the show. Colleen fills us in on all the ways Actors Connection has found a way to keep our community alive by offering hope, support, learning, and insight during this time.

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert dealing with issues regarding the acting industry, especially in the age of Covid.

Photos kindly by https://actorceo.com

6 Actor Traps Professionals Should Avoid

August 11, 2021/4 Comments/in News /by Colleen Finnegan Kahl

Don’t fall into these common ACTOR TRAPS that are surefire ways to lead you towards dissatisfaction in your acting career.

Over-analyzing your audition. Give yourself 2 minutes to think about how you can improve your audition next time. Write down some tips for yourself. THEN LET IT GO! Replaying your audition over and over in your head for days on end won’t book you the job, make you feel good, OR make you a better auditioner. Follow the 2 minute rule– and then MOVE ON WITH LIFE.
Not making time to enjoy other things in life. I say this ALL the time. YOU ARE NOT AN ACTOR ROBOT. If you are only doing acting related things you aren’t populating your brain with new life experiences to source from when building new characters. The more life you live…the more interesting things you can use to build incredibly realistic and authentic performances. Go out there and do new things and meet new people.
Skipping the research. If you aren’t making time to research the work you are going in for– then step aside and leave the business for the true professionals. With the internet at your fingertips– there is no reason why you can’t set aside an hour to research a role you are right for or a show you are auditioning for. Going in blind doesn’t send casting the message that you will take the job seriously. Dig a little deeper.
Selecting overdone material. With millions of choices for great material out there, there is no need to do things that are known to be overdone. Veer away from materials that are being done time and time again and swap it out for specific choices that are perfect for you. Look at earlier bodies of work– or lesser known bodies or work. Or repurpose something to fit your needs. Unexpected material that suits you and the project are the best routes.
Submitting for jobs they aren’t right for or don’t want. Nothing frustrates casting more than someone who takes time out of their auditions for “relationship building” and not because they actually are right for the job. That is a selfish move and could certainly backfire in a big way. Make sure you want the job/are RIGHT for the job/ are AVAILABLE for the job. Time is money for casting teams and when you knowingly take advantage of their audition process you will put an unnecessary dent in what could have been a positive relationship. Don’t lose trust going out for the wrong jobs.
Comparing your careers to others. Everyone is different and this journey is no exception. What works for one person doesn’t work for all people. You need to customize your path, and make adjustments depending on what helps YOU to be bookable.

Need help navigating this advance along with all the other the ins and the outs of your acting career? Consider our FAST TRACK program. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Colleen Finnegan Kahl is an accomplished Theatre Arts Educator, author of this article, and President of Actors Connection. Colleen is an expert helping aspiring actors find acting classes not only in New York, but also in Atlanta and LA.

Photo kindly by Vladimir Fedotov.